Congratulations, Laurie, on this achievement!
The Rozema Awards, which are presented by Cardus in partnership with the Christian School Foundation, are awarded to teachers who surpass expectations in their work at Christian schools in Ontario.
Laurie Koning’s Grade 11 Geography class first became involved in an interactive, project-based learning experience about South Sudan in the Spring of 2017. (See previous web story for the full details).
First Laurie arranged for the students to learn about World Renew’s work of providing life-saving assistance to South Sudanese families struggling with hunger and malnutrition due to the conditions of famine and drought. Then the students had the opportunity to spend time researching, praying, presenting, and creatively collaborating to raise funds and awareness for the people of South Sudan.
Through these fundraising efforts, Laurie and her class raised over $3,000 for both World Renew and the Canadian Reformed World Relief Fund—funds that will help bring hope and help to refugees.
And the creative collaboration continued this year, when students in Laurie Koning’s Grade 9 Science Class participated in a “Message in a Bottle” project that gave them the opportunity to learn about and assist people in South Sudan. This creative, interactive project included learning about the importance of clean water. They designed water bottles and sold them, bringing in another $302.30 to support World Renew’s work – all while growing in their understanding of the complexities of disaster response and development.
World Renew is deeply grateful for the ways these students are serving as vessels of God’s love and grace. Thank you, Laurie and students, for your excellent work! And thank you, Guido de Bres for your partnership with World Renew, which made this journey of Christ-centred education and action possible.
PHOTO TOP: Rich Tomlin, Laurie Koning, Ronn VanAndel, and Paul Leistra.